Survival Guide - Discover Turkey: Experience the Best of Turkey - page 771

OTOGAR
Most Turkish cities and towns have a bus station, called the otogar, garaj or terminal, gen-
erally located on the outskirts. Besides intercity buses, otogars often handle dolmuşes
(minibuses that follow prescribed routes) to outlying districts or villages. Most bus sta-
tions have an emanetçi (left luggage) room, which you can use for a nominal fee.
Particularly in eastern Anatolia, don't believe taxi drivers at otogars who tell you there
is no bus or dolmuş to your destination; they may be trying to trick you into taking their
taxi. Check with the bus and dolmuş operators.
CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO 2 , the main cause of human-induced climate
change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which might use less fuel per kilometre per person than most
cars but travel much greater distances. The altitude at which aircraft emit gases (including CO 2 ) and particles also
contributes to their climate change impact. Many websites offer 'carbon calculators' that allow people to estimate
the carbon emissions generated by their journey and, for those who wish to do so, to offset the impact of the green-
house gases emitted with contributions to portfolios of climate-friendly initiatives throughout the world. Lonely
Planet offsets the carbon footprint of all staff and author travel.
SERVIS
Because most bus stations are some distance from the town or city centre, the bus com-
panies provide free servis shuttle minibuses. These take you to the bus company's office
or another central location. Ask ' Servis var mı?' ('Is there a servis ?') Rare cities without
such a service include Ankara.
» Leaving town Ask about the servis when you buy your ticket at the bus company's
central office; they will likely instruct you to arrive at the office an hour before the official
departure time.
» Drawbacks This service saves you a taxi or local bus fare to the otogar, but involves a
lot of hanging around. If you only have limited time in a location, a taxi fare may be a
good investment.
» Scams Pension owners may try to convince you the private minibus to their pension is a
bus company servis . Taxi drivers may say the servis has left or isn't operating in the hope
of convincing you that their cab is the only option. If you do miss a servis , enquire at the
bus company office; they normally run regularly.